Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

WELCOME

Dear Fellow Section Members,

It’s a privilege to serve as Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of The
Florida Bar. With nearly 1,300 members, our section represents a strong and diverse
community dedicated to advancing the practice of mediation, arbitration, and other
forms of dispute resolution across Florida.

My focus this year is on increasing member engagement, connection, and value. I
invite every one of you to get more involved by joining one of our many active
committees. Whether your interests are in mediation, arbitration, membership,
communication, or collaborating with other sections, your participation makes a
difference. Reach out to me or any of our committee chairs to find your place.

In addition to committee involvement, my goals for the year include:

• Increasing opportunities to connect, both in person and virtually, through
  informal meetups and structured networking.
• Offering CLEs tailored to your needs, including practical programs on running
  and growing an ADR practice—shaped by member survey feedback.
• Continuing our most popular events, including:
  • The Annual Retreat in St. Petersburg this August
  • Our Fall Meeting in Orlando this October
  • The Arbitration Institute in the Spring
  • Our monthly mediation and arbitration forums
  • Regional mediation mixers across the state in October
  • We’re also launching exciting new programming:
    • Voice of the Client (September): A groundbreaking virtual event where you’ll
      hear directly from mediation participants—offering insights rarely shared in our
      field.
    • Meet Your Mediator: A speed networking event designed to connect mediators
      with litigators for referrals, conversations, and collaboration.

Ways to get involved today:

• Join our listserv to connect with fellow members and join the conversation.
• Participate in a committee—your input and experience are valuable. Contact me or a committee chair to learn more.
• Attend or host a mediation mixer in your region to build community and expand your network.

I’m excited for the year ahead and look forward to working together to make the ADR
Section even stronger. Let’s make this a year of connection, contribution, and continued
excellence in dispute resolution.

With kind regards,

Natalie Paskiewicz
Chair, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of The Florida Bar
(2025-2026)